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Finally, the end of the soggy sock! Water-resistant Five Water footwear finally ends the misery of squelchy walks in the rain

Five Water Socks are treated with hydrophobic molecules to repel liquid
It prevents water from soaking into the fabric but allows sweat to escape
Other substances like muddy water, milk and syrup also run off the cloth
The socks have been developed by entrepreneur Jaspreet Singh in Detroit

Published: 07:09 EST, 9 July 2015 | Updated: 10:14 EST, 9 July 2015

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There are few things capable of ruining a day out like having to trudge around in wet socks.

But the misery of squelching feet may become something of the past with the water resistant Five Water Socks.

The fabric is impregnated with hydrophobic molecules to allow the socks to easily shed water, fruit juice and even syrup.

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The Five Water Socks, pictured above, are impregnated with a hydrophobic treatment that repels water, meaning liquids run off the surface rather than soaking in like traditional cotton socks

Entrepreneur invents waterproof socks

The socks were created by entrepreneur Jaspreet Singh from Detroit after he grew tired of having wet feet while out running.

He said current waterproof socks tend to feel rubbery and can cause excessive sweating in the feet.

Instead by treating the fabric with hydrophobic molecules, water will run off the socks but still allow sweat to escape.

TINY 'UMBRELLAS' REPEL LIQUID

A non-stick surface that can repel liquids has been developed using tiny 'umbrellas' to increase the surface area of a structure.

Previously, liquid-repellent waterproof surfaces relied on plastic coatings such as Teflon, which degrade at higher temperatures.

However the new method makes the surface of a material ‘rough’ in order to prevent water resting on the surface - and could have a variety of uses from surgery to electronic circuits.

The research involves etching surfaces with tiny structures to make them resemble a ‘bed of nails’.

Each nail head measures a mere 20 micrometers across, which is about one fifth the width of a human hair, and limits the surface area that liquids can contact with.

This means that when a liquid comes into contact with the surface, instead of spreading out, it remains as a droplet - a property known as ‘superomniphobic’.

Each head of the nails is also undercut, resembling an umbrella, which stops liquid from seeping into the gaps between them.

He said as well has helping to keep people's feet dry when playing sport or out for a walk, the socks could also help prevent wet feet from puddles in the bathroom.

Mr Singh said: 'Traditional socks soak up water, making them a pain to walk in and a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria.

'I wanted a comfortable pair of socks for running and playing around so I didn't have to change my socks everytime I stepped in something wet.

'One of the biggest hassles about wearing socks around your home are stepping on those annoying puddles from the shower.

'With Five Water Socs those days are history.'

Mr Singh is attempting to raise enough money on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter to produce their first batch of socks for sale.

They are expected to cost around $22 (£14.29) when they go on general sale.

The socks are designed to look like standard cotton athletic socks but the fibres are impregnated with a hydrophobic material called 'RainArmor'.

Mr Singh says this makes the socks breathable and easily washable.

The hydrophobic coating should help to keep them clean by preventing mud and sticky water based solutions from adhering to the fabric.

Mr Singh claims they also dry 50 per cent faster than normal cotton socks and smell less after wearing by reducing the growth of bacteria.

is this the solution to wet socks? Introducing 5 Water Socks

Running in muddy water can make exercising miserable as feet quickly become wet and heavy as the water soaks into socks. Five Water Socks promises to keep feet lightweight and comfortable by repelling water

He said: 'First by resisting water your feet stay light and your socks dry, which comes in handy when racing for a touch down or running for your best time.

'You can finally stop worrying about smelly socks as they are naturally antibacterial and antifungal.'

Hydrophobic treatments are increasingly being used to produce clothing that resists water and staining. They were commonly used in the outdoor market to prevent outerwear becoming soaked.

However, shoes, t-shirts, jeans and even mobile phones are now being treated with hydrophobic molecules to make them stay cleaner, and drier, for longer.

For example, the Silic t-shirt, created by San Francisco-based student Aamir Patel, has billions of silica particles bonded to the fibres to make it resist water, coca cola, tomato ketchup, mustard, milkshakes, beer, ink and even red wine.

Mr Singh says the socks can even repel sticky substances like maple syrup, which run straight off the fabric. In the picture above he demonstrates how the syrup does not stick to the socks, making them easier to clean

This animation shows how the water resistant socks compare to traditional cotton socks when soaked with liquid (CREDIT: Five Water Socks/Kickstarter)